A according to ACT Research Co. (ACT), May commercial trailer net orders were up 59% from the prior year month—“continuing a healthy rebound from a very weak 2009.” Through May, year-to-date net orders for trailers are up 69%, noted ACT.
In the latest release of its State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers, ACT pointed out that order backlogs rose an additional 10%t in May. That marks the fifth consecutive month backlogs have increased, despite an increase in the production rate. Additionally, said ACT, order cancellations continue to be very low as truck fleets are seeing growing demand for their services.
“All signs are indicating that freight growth is rapidly absorbing excess truck capacity,” said Kenny Vieth, senior analyst & partner with ACT. “With capacity tightening, trucker profits should begin to improve and swing the pendulum in favor of replacing and growing an aging trailer fleet,” he added.